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St. Paul's head football coach Steve Mask is pictured after linebacker Tre Williams announces his commitment to play football at Auburn during a ceremony Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Ala.. (Mike Brantley/mbrantley@al.com)

The four-star St. Paul's linebacker committed to Auburn University on Wednesday before a packed audience at the school library. He previously said he would wait until the Under Armour All-American Game in January.

"It was mostly between Bama and Auburn," Williams told AL.com. "I took a junior day visit to Auburn and sat down and talked to coach (Gus) Malzahn for a while and coach (Dameyune) Craig, and both of them are really great guys. I felt so comfortable there. It's like a family up there, and I knew I could play for them."

Davis, who committed to Auburn last month, arrived at St. Paul's following the announcement to show his support. The two played youth football together until fifth grade.

"I just found out it was official," Davis said. "I didn't really know where his head was. I was hoping we would get an opportunity to play together in college. When I made my decision to go to Auburn, I knew that was one of his top schools, so I started working on him instantly. I was texting him, calling him, getting in his ear, making sure Auburn stayed on top. I guess I pulled him through."

Williams said Casher and Davis did talk to him but never pushed too hard.

"Both of them are great friends," he said. "They were basically telling me to go where my heart is, but of course they wanted me to go to Auburn. This is a big day for them, also. They've been waiting on this day, too. They really weren't on me every day saying, 'Tre go to Auburn, Tre go to Auburn,' and that really excites me about them because I know they are true friends."

Watch Williams make his announcement:

The biggest pull for Williams to Auburn may have been Craig. He was the first to offer a scholarship when he was on Florida State's staff and has been a longtime family friend.

"He's been with me ever since FSU," Williams said. "He's been a great guy. My family knows them real well. I asked my family a little background and asked if he was really true, and they told me he's been like the same guy ever since they knew him. He's a great guy and a great coach, and I'm happy I get to play for him."

Williams had said recently he had narrowed his top five choices to Alabama, Auburn, Southern Cal, Ole Miss and Florida, though he emphasized it came down to the Tide and Tigers. In addition to having two friends committed to Auburn, he also has a cousin (Jarrick Williams) on the Alabama roster.

He said the obvious depth at the linebacker position at Alabama was not a factor in his choice.

"Of course, Alabama has a lot of great players, but that is really not a factor," Williams said. "I thought whatever college I went to I was going to work my butt off and try to get that starting spot. It's not only about who is already at the college. I am looking to the future and trying to see if I can help Auburn create a dynasty and start from the beginning and build up."

Williams is a two-time All-State selection and was a finalist for Class 5A lineman of the year last season. He also was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12, a ranking of the state's best players regardless of position. Williams led the Saints to the Class 5A semifinals last year.

He is rated the nation's No. 3 inside linebacker and No. 39 overall prospect in the 247 composite rankings. St. Paul's head coach Steve Mask said the ability to play football is not the only trait Williams possesses.

"I can't stress how much integrity and character he's got," Mask said. "I think his football ability speaks for itself. When people get to know him, the smile you see is very infectious and very genuine. He represents our school very well. He will represent Auburn University very well. The football part is great, but his character is even better."

Mask said Williams has a natural ability to gravitate to people and vice-versa.

"He will infect the entire program in a positive way," he said. "People want to please Tre because Tre works so hard to please them."

Williams said he sat down with his mother, Charleste Vaughn, last week and decided to go to Auburn. Mask said Williams has clearly been at ease since the decision.

"A lot is off my back now," Williams said. "I know people will still try and contact me and stuff, but it is not going to be as bad as it used to be."

He said he likely will still take visits in the fall but emphasized that doesn't mean he will de-commit from Auburn.

Asked if he had a message for the Auburn fans, Williams cracked his trademark smile and said, "War Eagle."

He is the third rising St. Paul's senior to commit, joining Casher and linebacker Zavier Carmichael (Duke).

Auburn hopes to land another highly ranked Mobile player, Vigor defensive end Justin Thornton, this Sunday. He is scheduled to announce his decision at his church Sunday morning.

Ben Thomas covers Mobile high school sports for The Alabama Media Group and The Mobile Press-Register. Write to him at bthomas@al.com.